Preparations on track to illuminate Joondalup for Kaleidoscope Festival

THE state’s largest light and illumination festival is just days away, with creative director Drew Anthony believing Kaleidoscope has become Perth’s must-see festival.

Returning for its third consecutive year, Kaleidoscope Festival will shine a spotlight on Joondalup for four nights from November 1 to 4, featuring 89 local, interstate and international visual artists and performers.

1000 Cranes by Sydney’s Ambient & Co.

Mr Anthony, who has worked on many large-scale events including the Sydney Olympics Closing Ceremony, Doha Asian Games, Vancouver Winter Olympics, NZ Rugby World Cup, NRL State of Origin and White Night in Melbourne and Ballarat, said he was honoured to be invited to curate the festival again this year.

“Kaleidoscope has very quickly taken its place as one of Australia’s most exciting light and illumination festivals,” he said.

“Artists from all over WA and from over east have really embraced our young festival.

Intrude by Tasmanian artist Amanda Parer.

“It’s been a joy working with these really talented and creative people to help bring their awesome ideas to our very big audience.”

Mr Anthony said he had learned “so much” from his first year and he knew families would “enjoy this year’s festival even more than last year”.

“We have made some changes to the festival site this year, which will give visitors more space and more places to explore,” the East Cannington resident said.

“We are closing Grand Blvd, some of Boas Avenue and we are extending into Central Walk so that people can really go on a journey of discovery in a bunch of different directions.

“We also have more walk-through experiences for families to enjoy, more food trucks and more attractions that will appeal to every age group.”

He said there were 17 attractions this year and the team had been working “super hard” in the lead up to Thursday’s first night.

“Our projections are looking great, our installations are coming along nicely with only a few finishing touches yet to be added, and our performers have been rehearsing furiously and are excited,” he said.

He urged people far and wide to visit the Joondalup City centre to experience Kaleidoscope.

“It’s family friendly, it’s exciting and wondrous to explore and best of all, it’s free,” he said.

Kaleidoscope Festival 2018

When: November 1 to 4

Time: Pre-show entertainment from 5pm and lights from 7.30pm to 10.30pm